Revitalise Your Ring this Spring

As the days grow longer and the weather warms, it's time to give your jewellery collection the attention it deserves. Spring cleaning isn't just for your home; it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and revitalise your cherished pieces. 

Whether it's heirloom jewellery passed down through generations or a future wedding ring that you want to freshen up before the big day, proper maintenance ensures they sparkle for years to come. At Jessica Flinn, we've been putting our heads together and have come up with seven simple steps to help you keep your ring sparkling into the new season...

Begin by carefully inspecting each piece of jewellery you want to clean, paying close attention to any indications of damage or wear. Jewellery worn daily such as engagement rings are more likely to need maintenance repairs such as claw re-tipping or tightening, and cleaning your pieces can reveal a wobbly stone or raised claw. If you spot something like this before or after cleaning your jewellery at home, set it aside and take it to a trusted jeweller for repair to ensure your pieces are at their best. Make sure not to wear the piece in question until a jeweller has inspected it - we don’t want any lost stones! Contact one of our jewellery experts to book in for our repair service, your jewellery will receive the utmost care and attention from our skilled team

Different gemstones require different care so make sure you know how to clean your gemstone jewellery. Keep in mind that gemstones vary in hardness, with some being more durable than others. Familiarise yourself with the appropriate cleaning methods for your specific gemstone jewellery to ensure its longevity. If you would like further advice on how to clean your gemstone, just reach out to our team who will be more than happy to discuss this with you!

Invest in a jewellery polishing cloth specifically designed for gold, silver, or other metals in your collection. Our polishing cloths are imbued with a special solution that helps bring your jewellery back to life! Regular polishing helps remove tarnish and restores the shine of your jewellery and helps to keep away any possible oxidation. Take extra care when polishing chains, earrings or other more delicate items, to ensure the cloth doesn’t snag claws, clasps or links.

Give your ring a soak in warm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, especially on delicate gemstones or pearls. Softer gemstones such as opals, amber, pearls and other organic gemstones should be cleaned with the utmost care. For stubborn grime, try using a soft-bristled baby’s toothbrush to gently scrub intricate designs. Pat your jewellery dry with a kitchen towel or clean, soft cloth, and watch it sparkle!

With the Jessica Flinn refresh and repair service, we use an ultrasonic cleaner which is fantastic for cleaning more intricate pieces and getting to the hidden parts of settings. Please keep in mind that softer gemstones like emeralds and aquamarines shouldn't be subjected to ultrasonic cleaning, so these gemstone rings will be professionally cleaned by hand. However, diamonds (both lab-grown and natural), sapphires, moissanites, and plain metal jewellery can all take advantage of the exceptional cleaning abilities of the ultrasonic.

Proper storage is essential to prevent scratches and tangles. You can also organise your jewellery into groups depending on whether they are gold, silver, or whether they contain gemstones. We advise separating harder gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires from your other jewellery, as well as separating platinum and gold pieces from your silver jewellery. Keep each piece of jewellery in a separate compartment or pouch where possible to avoid damage. And make sure to dust your jewellery box regularly, it’s no good cleaning your jewellery and putting it back into a dirty case or box!

Make spring cleaning a part of your routine to keep your jewellery looking its best year-round. A quick wipe-down and inspection every couple of months can prevent tarnish buildup and help identify any issues early on. For pieces worn daily, such as an engagement or wedding ring, consider a more regular cleaning routine. Read our do's and don'ts of wearing your engagement and wedding jewellery to learn about which activities you should be taking your rings off for, ensuring they last a lifetime.

For valuable or intricate pieces, consider scheduling a professional cleaning and inspection with a trusted jeweller. At Jessica Flinn, we have the expertise and specialised tools to deep clean and address any potential issues, such as loose settings or worn-out clasps. We offer a ‘Repair and Revitalise’ service for anyone who needs their jewellery looked over by a jewellery expert.

By following these expert tips, you can breathe new life into your jewellery collection this spring. Remember, proper maintenance not only preserves the beauty of your pieces but also protects their sentimental value for years to come.